Climb the highest sand dunes in the world. Descend to the floor of the deepest canyon in Africa.
Immerse yourself in the past at one of the Africa’s richest rock art sites, and watch wildlife shimmer
against one of the most spectacular pans on earth.
Explore the oldest, driest desert in the world and take time to listen to the silence and to your soul.
Namibia is home to vibrant cities where people are excited about the future, while remaining deeply
connected to their rich, cultural past. A stable, democratic government, infrastructure that allows guests to move confidently off the beaten path and endless horizons that beckon you to explore define this country and its people.
This is Namibia, where you are sure to find adventure, and you may just find yourself.
WHEN TO GO
Namibia has 308 days of sunshine a year and each season has its unique qualities, so there really is no bad time to visit September the green vegetation has completed faded and the heat begins to return.
Adventure Activities
STARGAZING
With its generally cloudless night sky, especially in the dry winter months, minimal contamination by artificial light and air pollution, and excellent view of the southern constellations, Namibia has superb stargazing conditions. As such, it is favored by professional and amateur astronomers alike.
Many lodges have medium-sized telescopes (up to 16″ diameter) for use by guests, and provide novice stargazing guests with a layman’s introduction to astrology. An impressive ‘farm’ of telescopes and other equipment is maintained by the German-based International Amateur Observatory at the guest farm Hakos on top of the Gamsberg Pass, two hours’ drive away from Windhoek.
DOLPHIN CRUISES
The cold Atlantic waters off the Namib coast harbor a wealth of marine life, including three dolphin species and a large colony of Cape fur seals resident at Pelican Point. The 1.3 meter-long Heaviside’s dolphin is endemic to the west coast and sightings are 99 percent successful, while the larger Atlantic bottlenose and dušky dolphins are seen less often. In season (July-October), larger mammals like the southern right and humpback whales may be spotted, and with a bit of luck, the mighty killer whales (orcas). Rare sightings of sunfish (mola mola) and leatherback turtles also keep guests on the lookout.
Several operators run catamaran cruises out of Walvis Bay.
BALLOONING
Hot-air ballooning is like a magic carpet ride. While you fly, you feel no turbulence as you are travelling at the current wind speed. The tranquility of your flight will give you unsurpassed views and plenty of photographic opportunities.
At Sossusvlei the hot-air balloon takes off as the sun rises over the world’s oldest desert. The splendor of the Namib plays out in front of you as you soar with the winds for an hour over the ocean of sand and mountains. Below you is an endless vista of shadow and light, red dunes intermingling with dark mountains linked by pristine gravel plains.
A balloon flight over the Twyfelfontein Conservancy will give you a bird’s-eye view over magnificent Damaraland desert scenery, including a unique variety of desert flora and fauna and fascinating geological formations.
At Swakopmund you can enjoy an early-morning balloon flight and experience the contrast of the desert with the Atlantic Ocean as you drift along the coast.
SURFING
Namibia has yet to develop into a commercial destination, which makes it a favorite for those looking to escape the crowds and have world-class waves all to themselves. Skeleton Bay has been deemed by several professionals as the longest breaking barrel in the world.
ROCK CLIMBING
Rising abruptly above the Namib plains, the Spitzkoppe is Namibia’s top rock-climbing destination. Since the first successful ascent in 1946, there have been more than 500 ascents to the 1,728 meterhigh summit. There are several sport climbing routes that have been secured with bolts. Some 44 sport climbing routes, ranging from South African grades 10 to 27, have been opened in the Spitzkoppe area. The Erongo Mountains also offer excellent rock climbing challenges, such as Omandumba in the western Erongos, offering 30 traditional routes up to the South African grade 20, as well as 20 sport climbing routes, ranging from SA grades 16 to 23.
A selection of climbing routes is available at Aussenkehr in the south, about 50 km west of the Noordoewer order crossing. With high summer temperatures, climbing is best done between April and September.
Joseph Kafunda and I am a travel a Tourist Guide operating in Namibia and Southern Africa. +264813478044 and email josephkafunda@gmail.com